If this is a concern (you live by a military installation), a curiosity (you have a relative that serves), or if you just want a glimpse of military life, let me tell you why the average soldier is not personally prepared. I must first establish my credibility.

I have a BA degree from a major university, and various civilian job experiences under my belt, mostly in food service and then social services. I am an older soldier, low ranking on the totem pole. I am a truck driver in the US Army, and on the front lines where the rubber meets the road so to say. As in all the clichés, I joined the Army to serve my country and learn about the Armed Forces, but somewhat selfishly, I joined also to learn about first aid, shooting, field sanitation, and the plethora of training that many a survivalist craves and practices, not only gaining these valuable skills for free, but getting paid to learn them. I have been in the Army for four years, and I was into preparing for TEOTWAWKI years before I enlisted. I have deployed twice, with many a mission outside-the-wire.